Weighty Words

There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective.”  Matt Haig Mental Health Center Kids 

In recent years, terms like anxiety, OCD, and depression have found their way into everyday conversations  often used casually or humorously. But for those who truly live with these conditions, these are not buzzwords. They represent deep, complex struggles that affect every part of their lives. The COVID-19 era amplified this misuse. The pandemic forced many to confront emotional distress, and suddenly, words like anxiety or depression became convenient ways to describe everyday frustrations. Yet, casually name-dropping these diagnoses without understanding their full meaning does a disservice to those genuinely suffering.

How Misuse Happens

Misuse often occurs when we use clinical terms loosely . In Mental Health this s when words are used to describe feelings or habits that don’t meet diagnostic criteria. For instance, saying “I’m so OCD because I like my desk neat” reflects a misunderstanding.

In reality, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is diagnosed when:

1. A person experiences recurrent obsessions or compulsions, or both.
2. These recurrent behaviors/compulsions are time-consuming (more than one hour per day) or cause significant distress or impairment in daily life.
3. The symptoms are not due to substance use, another medical condition, or another mental disorder.

Simply preferring things arranged a certain way does not qualify as OCD, it’s just a preference. OCD, on the other hand, involves intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety and repetitive behaviors aimed at easing that distress.

Misuse is inappropriate because:

Using mental health diagnoses incorrectly isn’t just a harmless slip  it can have serious implications.

1. Literal Interpretation of the DSM

Some people treat the DSM like a strict recipe book. But it’s meant to be a guideline, not a checklist. Failing to consider personal context, cultural background, or individual strengths can lead to misdiagnosis or misunderstanding.

2. Expansion of Criteria

Over the years, diagnostic boundaries have broadened. While this helps identify more people who need care, it can also blur lines by labeling normal human emotions or reactions as disorders.

3. Lack of Clinical Judgment

When clinicians or individuals rely solely on labels, they risk overlooking key aspects like life stressors, developmental history, or social context. True understanding requires a holistic view of a person’s life, not just symptoms.

The Impact on Patients

Incorrect Labeling: Misusing terms can result in people being wrongly identified as having a disorder, leading to unnecessary or inappropriate treatment.

Stigma and Discrimination: Even a mistaken label can follow someone for years, affecting relationships, employment, and self-esteem.

False Positives: Mislabeling can hide the real cause of distress  preventing proper support or treatment.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Once labeled, a person might internalize that identity, believing they are “broken” or “hopeless,” even when they’re not.

What We Can Do Better

1. Seek Professional Help: Only qualified professionals should provide accurate assessments and diagnoses.

2. Educate Yourself: Before using terms like OCD, anxiety, or depression, take time to understand their true meaning and diagnostic criteria.

3. Use Language Thoughtfully: Choose words that respect the experiences of those genuinely affected.

4. Promote Mental Health Literacy: Encourage open, informed conversations about mental health without sensationalizing or trivializing it.

In conclusion, Mental health words are not trends  they are lifelines for many. When used carelessly, they lose their meaning and power. If we all take time to learn, listen, and use them responsibly, we can build a society that is more compassionate, accurate, and supportive toward mental well-being.

Resources links

American Psychiatric Association. (2025). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 9). Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health

World Health Organization. Mental health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health